Toilet - Ek Prem Katha review roundup: This is what Bollywood critics and celebs say about Akshay Kumar-starrer

Akshay Kumar-starrer Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, which opened in theatres on Friday, August 11, has received overwhelming reviews from Bollywood critics and celebrities.

A large section of the critics claim that the movie, also starring Bhumi Pednekar, is a must-watch and overall a good entertainer. However, many felt that the first half of the film is crisp and engrossing than the second half.

Toilet -Ek Prem Katha movie review by audience: Live update

Toilet-Ek Prem Katha is a satirical comedy-drama. The film will also focus on unhygienic conditions in rural India and supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

The Akshay-starrer is inspired by true events when 19-year-old Priyanka Bharti took a stand and decided to walk out of her in-laws' house as they didn't have a toilet.

The plot of Toilet-Ek Prem Katha revolves around Jaya (Bhumi), who leaves her marital home on the first day of her marriage after discovering that her husband Keshava (Akshay) doesn't have a toilet in his house. A desperate Keshava then sets out on a mission to stand up to the age-old tradition and win back his love.

Directed by Shree Narayan Singh and produced by Aruna Bhatia, Plan C Studios and Abundantia, the trailer and the songs have been creating massive buzz among music lovers and fans of Akshay.

Below are the reviews of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha by Bollywood critics:

Anita Iyer of Khaleej Times said: "Overall, it is a good entertainer which leaves you with a food for thought after you exit the movie hall. Yes, you might hear the word ' toilet' multiple times throughout the film but you will soon get comfortable with it. Go for the film, if you are looking for a well-scripted film backed by power-packed performances by the actors."

Meena Iyer of the Times of India said: "Akshay is the backbone of this satire. His inner journey as an actor pays dividends and he delivers yet another topnotch performance. The screenplay is peppered with loads of LOL moments balanced correctly with emotional outbursts. As bonus, you get a hummable soundtrack with Hans Mat Pagli, Bakheda and Gori Tu Lath Maar."

Shubhra Gupta of Indian Express said: "The film which has to contend with a clunky title in the first place, wastes much of its initial bits in creating a romance between the middle-aged Keshav (Akshay) and the sprightly Jaya (Pednekar). It is so busy pointing fingers at the Indians, good people but blinded by tradition of 'jis aangan mein tulsi hai, usi mein shauchalaya kaise ban sakta hai', who will still go out into the open, that it forgets that polemics make good academic papers. They do not necessarily make good films."

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV said: "The intent of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha may be commendable. The execution is hugely hamfisted. When a Bollywood filmmaker assumes the role of a cheerleader for a government campaign on whose efficacy the jury is still out, you know you've been had. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is as avoidable as what it rightly rails against - open defecation."

Rohit Bhatnagar of Deccan Chronicle said: "The film doesn't look preachy at all; rather the issue of no toilet is shown in a quirky way. The USP of the film is its dialogues, which are written well. The first half is a little slow and overstretched but manages to sail through till the interval because of its comic punches. Despite all the positives, the length of the film is an issue."

Check the reviews of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha by celebrities:

Jackky Bhagnani‏: "Just saw #toilet and must say @akshaykumar sir is just outstanding in the film and @psbhumi so so proud of you my friend . Must watch !!!!!"

Omung Kumar: "What a thought provoking film. #ToiletEkPremKath a must watch. Congratulation @akshaykumar @psbhumi @kriarj"

Divya Khosla Kumar: "Watched the endearing @ToiletTheFilm & could not stop laughing @akshaykumar , you always win us over with your performances #MustWatch"

Abhishek Kapoor: "#ToiletEkPremKatha a v imp film of its time. @akshaykumar owns this film & leads a stellar cast from the front. Kudos @kriarj @viacom18"

Stay tuned for more updates.